One need not look at the calendar to know that fall is completely with us on the Canadian Prairies. Leaves are turning on all of the trees, squirrels and Jays are rushing to store food. The air feels and smells different.
Every one of the garden animals has been accounted for but one and sadly the latest Hedwig (rabbit) was hit by a car on the lane in front of my house last evening. I found the darling thing this morning.
Dyson looks particularly good. Taken with my phone when I went to fill up the table feeder – she isn’t afraid. She waited and posed. Little Red was running around. He has officially moved into the wood box in the house built for him in the spring of 2022. Yippeeee. Better late than never. He only has to go a few feet in the winter to get more peanuts!
Dyson wishes all her friends in Japan and Asia a joyous Tsukimi (Moon Viewing Festival), lots of delicious rice dumplings and Moon Cakes.
The Blue Jays are still coming to the feeders. Many do not migrate remaining on the snowy prairies along with the Black-capped Chicadees and sparrows. We wait to see what these four will do.
Lewis wants nothing to do with the new cat tree. He prefers the box, and Missey prefers the blanket that wrapped some furniture at one time or another on the top of the bins and the wicker basket.
Calico looks stronger every day. She is filling out a bit but a sweet gentle soul she is. Did I tell you we dropped all of our other projects for a few weeks to write a book for children about Calico and Hope? It will be a fundraiser for the mobile Vet clinic that works in my City to provide affordable spay and neutering, vaccinations, deworming, etc. for those persons wishing to trap and release or adopt the community cats.
It is also hoped that the book will offer a lesson for not ‘dumping’ pets.
Are you missing Mini? I sure am. You never ever forget these amazing survivors.
Patchogue tops my list for the most incredible osprey nest this past season. The adults raised four – four to fledge – at a time when a substantial number of clutches from Long Island up through the NE were entirely lost due to weather events (especially that storm in June) and overfishing. Thank you, Isac, for reminding us what a spunky fourth-hatch Mini was!
Well, shock of shocks. Mini visited the nest for about a minute at 1258 Monday. Oh, my goodness. How wonderful it is to see you!
Violence. Disregard for life of any kind.
What kind of person would deliberately shoot any raptor never mind, one of the most endangered species on our planet – the California Condor. I had been out playing with Hope and Calico and had not looked at my e-mail (one of the benefits of taking a few days off is you realise it can wait!). Then I did. A note from Geemeff, and below it is my copy from Kelly Sorenson. I am beyond understanding this.
Gabby was at the NEFlorida Bald Eagle nest Monday morning.
V3 returned to the nest with what could be new wounds at 1745.
The eagles are working on the Pittsburg-Hayes nest. Look at those rails! This is a nest to envy!
There’s at least one juvie at the Dulles-Greenway nest of Martin and Rosa.
Looks like C15 and Dad might have finally left for their migration fro the Charlo Montana Osprey platform.
Ospreys are gone and the Canada Geese are enjoying the Boulder County Fair Grounds nest.
Trudi Kron gives us a good look at the injuries that Anna, the mate of Louis, at the KNF-E1 nest near Alexandria, Louisiana has sustained. It looks like they are healing. Send good wishes for all those floaters wanting a nest to scat!
Lightning fills the sky around the Superbeaks’ nest of Pepe and Muhlady.
Everyone hopes the new male at Port Lincoln will be a great provider and that the long-running heartache at the PLO barge nest will end. That said, this morning, Mum got impatient waiting for a fish and caught on camera is a female incubating eggs catching a fish.
‘A’ brings us up to date: “At Port Lincoln, the fishing is going well. Three yesterday (one caught by mum) and dad has caught at least two so far today. As always, mum is allowing him far less egg time than he would like. Guesses regarding timing of the first hatch are between 15 October and 18 October, so we have at least three weeks to wait there. So all attention is now on Orange and of course on our adorable sea eaglets in Sydney. They are gorgeous.”
There are still juvenile ospreys near their nests in the UK that have not left for migration.
Dad is still bringing fish to Coco at the Sandpoint nest.
Dad delivered at least four fishing starting at 0705 and going until 1500 on Monday at the MN Landscape Arboretum Nest.
Suzanne Arnold Horning spotted Big Red on the Cornell Campus on Monday! Looking good, Mamma.
The eaglets at Sydney Sea Eagle nest in the Olympic Forest are ever more steady on their feet.
The date that is predicted for the first egg to hatch at the scrape of Diamond and Xavier is 1 October. That is less than a week away!
‘A’ reminds us: “The countdown is on at Orange. Only four days until pip watch. There is a very pesky scout bee (or bees) that has been bothering the falcons for the past two days, buzzing constantly into, around and out of the box. I think it is really starting to annoy Diamond. Xavier made a lunge at it yesterday as if to eat it but missed (as he was on the eggs so had limited reach!) and today, it continues to irritate all. Apart from that, all proceeds smoothly at this scrape. The couple had another of their early morning bonding sessions today (05:20) but this time there was a changeover and no-one fell asleep mid-bonding. It’s so sweet the way he arrives so early and sits on the ledge to keep her company. For some reason, she allowed him an hour of early-morning egg time, so he’s happy. He’s had a couple of lengthy stints this morning.”
To prepare for what is coming – and the falcon chicks grow rapidly compared to eagles and ospreys – here is a guide to their weekly development with pictures.
Annie and Lou visiting the scrape at The Campanile of UC-Berkeley on Monday.
Almost all of the Royal Albatross chicks have fledged. We now await the arrival of this year’s adults who will be breeding.
Remember – if you have to just tie your wrists with a ribbon! Don’t start up the mower, the weed whacker, the leaf blower. Use that time to go birding and let the insects living in the leaves have a home.
Thank you so much for being with me today. Take care! See you soon!
I want to add that I tested positive for Covid on Sunday. I am feeling a bit rough. Thankfully there is not a lot going on in Bird World. I will continue with the newsletter but the content might be smaller for the next week while I recover.
Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, photographs, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘A, H, Geemeff’, PSEG, Isac and PSEG, Ventana Wildlife Society, Open Verse, NEFL-AEF, NEFL-chat, PixCams, Dulles-Greenway, Charlo Montana, Boulder County, Trudi Kron and Bald Eagles 101 Superbeaks, Bart Molenaar and Friends of Osprey Sth Aus, Jeff Kear and UK Osprey Info, Sandpoint, MN Landscape Arboretum, Suzanne Arnold Horning, Sydney Sea Eagles, Charles Sturt FalconCam, Outside My Window, Killarney Today, Holly Parsons and Albatross Lovers, and Cal Falcons.
Well, I could not possibly have anticipated what was going to happen but look who showed up at the feeding station today? Just like her Mama Calico.
Yes, the kitten that we could not find. Someone is going to help me trap her! I am not sure that Calico will be pleased. LOL. The kitten is about 62 days old.
This lovely young woman came over with the trap, smelling Sardines, everything to try and get this young lady into the kitten cage and feel safe. Wish us luck!
Calico watching out the garden doors as the trap is being set for her baby. Ironically, Calico’s baby is almost the same size as she is!
Today, Missey and Calico spent the entire day together in the main part of the house with Lewis in the conservatory. They all had poached chicken. We live in hope that soon all three will be integrated along with the kitten, perhaps.
It is 2130. The woman who loaned me the trap is on her way to help me transition the kitten to a kennel. Yes! We have the kitten. It took about three and a half hours. Overjoyed. Overwhelmed.
Osprey World just gets more quiet as the remainder begin their journeys with the last few Dads on the nest feeding chicks.
Harry has been feeding Chirpie again at Alyth today.
Aran was still at Glaslyn.
Blue 022 was seen around Poole Harbour. He left for migration last year on 10 September. No sign of CJ7 or the trio.
Dad brought at least three fish before 1400 to the Minneapolis Landscape Arboretum fledgling on Monday.
Swoop is still at Dunrovin!
Dad is still delivering to Coco at Sandpoint. At least two fish arrived on Monday early in the day.
Bruce is still delivering at Seaside. Oh, they get so excited. I am not sure the kittens are more afraid of the falcons than the ospreys when the latter are screaming for fish arrivals!
One adult on the perch at Boulder. I have not see the juveniles getting fish for several days at the nest.
Fish is still being delivered to an Oyster Bay fledgling.
Fish is being delivered to the Collins Marsh nest in Wisconsin. The juveniles are flying off with their meal!
Di Bennett and Tweed Valley report on the locations of both Poul and Glen. Will Poul stay in Morocco or continue heading south?
Want to know more about migration and how climate and changes in land use in West Africa are impacting UK birds? Have a read.
Mini was at the Osprey platform in Patchogue this morning. She is still favouring that left leg. This time she looked hungry and flew off early to try and get some fish from Dad.
At 1900 Mini flew to the perch. She was coming from the left side of the brewery. She has both feet extended and appears to be drying off her feathers.
The left leg appears to be giving Mini some issues as she holds it up. Hopefully our gal will slow down and rest that leg on the nest.
Good night, Mini.
‘H’ brings us up to date on Molly and Dorsett:
Kent Island – Molly flew to the nest early in the morning, but she didn’t stay long. She was then not seen on cam for almost twelve hours. At 1830 Molly flew to the nest, and it was nice to see that she had a huge crop. She seemed to have a lot to say, but she didn’t stay long at that visit either. SOD’s, Molly.
Barnegat Light – Duke brought four fish to the nest for Dorsett. What a good Dad! Around 1830 Dorsett landed on the nest, and she was holding her right foot up a bit. When she placed the right foot on the nest we could see a small bloody wound on one of her toes. It seemed to be a minor injury though, as it did not affect her ability to handle the fish Duke delivered at 1901. She held the fish with her right foot and eventually flew across the cove with the fish.
Gabby and V3 were at the nest in The Hamlet near Jacksonville working for the new season. Gosh, it is so nice to see them! Some worry that V3 might not be up to the job this year but, let’s wait and see. He is a year older and these two look to be bonded. We have no idea what they have been up to off camera.
Thunder and Akecheta were at their old West End nest in the Channel Islands on Monday.
On the Cornell Campus, Big Red and Arthur are up on the ledges of Bradley. So good to see them!
The Sea Eaglets had an early fish breakfast Tuesday morning! Yippeee. ‘A’ reports: “
At WBSE breakfast was early for a change, with Dad bringing in a medium-sized whole fresh fish shortly before 06:39. Lady was straight in. SE32 was slow to get up. Lady started eating herself while SE31 dealt with a PS (medium sized, a little thin but way healthier than yesterday’s) and then headed for the table, where she got the first bites just before 06:41. By 06:42, SE32 is on his feet. He too deals with a (healthy) PS before heading closer to the table. Lady is still feeding SE31. Through most of the feeding, Lady fed first one, then the other. SE31 ate more than SE32 but that was largely because SE32 could not be bothered making a huge effort. When he decided he did want to eat, he quickly shuffled further forward to get himself into prime position and then proceeded to eat a dozen or two bites consecutively. He had another similar bout of eating at the end of the feeding, eating most of the last dozen bites or so. Both eaglets had smallish crops after breakfast, though SE31 had a larger one than SE32.
Dad brings in another fish soon afterwards, at around 10:52. It looks like a big one. Lady takes a moment or two to arrive at the table, as does SE31. And although SE32 has been sleeping on the table, he is not eager to jump up and rush to start eating. He takes his time. The fish is on the large side of medium and Dad has already eaten the head (and a little more). :Lady takes a couple of minutes to start feeding the eaglets, and by the time she does, at 10:55:20, both are ready and waiting, up at the table, and 0SE32 gets the first bites. This pair are very civilised at meal times over the past week. I have not seen any intimidation of any kind, let alone beaking. They have been absolute angels at the dinner table. SE31 waits patiently until it is her turn for a bite or two, at 10:57. Lady then feeds SE32 almost exclusively. He eats fast and with confidence. He is getting a lot of food in a short period of time. It is after 11:00 when SE31 gets her next proper bite. Lady then feeds the two alternately for a few bites, then returns to feeding SE32.
Throughout this, SE31 is extremely patient. At no point does she try to steal a bite, push in front of SE32 or in any way intimidate or bonk him. She just waits beside him while he eats. When she is offered a bite, she takes it, but that is all. SE32 has had by far the best of the first half of the feeding, but as the feeding wears on and his crop enlarges yet further, he is less enthusiastic about taking every bite and leaves many of those he is offered for his sister. Over the second half of the feeding, SE31 gets more of the food. By the time the feeding is over, both eaglets have very healthy crops indeed. Both have eaten well, Lady has had a good share of that fish herself, and there was no dispute at all between the eaglets. This nest is just lovely to watch. Even on the days when a single large meal is brought in, no-one really seems to go hungry and there is never any type of unpleasantness between the eaglets. They just play and sleep and snuggle. And wait patiently. SE31 is getting really good up on her feet now and is really enjoying practising her walking and wingercising. SE32 is quite a few days behind, as he spent a while cowering while SE31 was growing into her changing body, as it were. He will catch up soon, but for now, he is still very ungainly and often needs his wings for balance.”
Mum and Dad incubate their egg at 367 Collins Street for a few minutes. Looking for egg 2!
Xavier and Diamond are incubating their three eggs at Orange.
At Port Lincoln, mating continues – not always successful.
‘A’ reports that there is action in NZ. Four of the Royal Albatross chicks have now fledged. She also adds, “Poor UQ chick has come down from his hilltop nest to sleep next to Manaaki (who was asleep when he arrived, so may be surprised to see him there when he wakes up). I am pretty sure UQ is seeking either safety in numbers or simply a safer distance between himself and Miss NTF higher up the hill. She is a very pushy and precocious female and has made UQ’s life more than a little difficult, given he is a somewhat shy and reticent albie. He gets on well with Manaaki, though, so obviously feels better down there than up on his hill. So cute, the two of them. As I said, there are two male and two female chicks whose nests we can see (or almost see) around Manaaki. Miss NTF has taken a fancy to the camera, which Manaaki regards as his, so there have been several altercations over the camera, with much clacking of beaks. She thinks she rules the hilltop but Manaaki has other ideas. These four have been an absolute joy to watch these past seven months, each with a very distinctive personality (and, as I mentioned the other day, each currently has a very different ‘hairstyle’ in regard to where each chick wears their remaining fluff – one of the chatters did a cartoon of all the chicks with all their hairstyles about a week ago – very accurate and just TOO funny).”
The third osplet at Osprey House in Australia has died of siblicide.
Thank you so much for being with us today. Take care all. See you soon.
Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘A, H’, Alyth, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Jeff Kear, Mary Kerr and Glaslyn Osprey Group, Poole Harbour Ospreys, MN Landscape Arboretum, Dunrovin Ranch, Sandpoint, Seaside, Boulder County, PSEG, Collins Marsh, Tweed Valley, Scottish Wildlife Trust, Kent Island, Wildlife Conserve F of NJ, NEFL-AEF, IWS/Explore, Suzanne Arnold Horning and Cornell Hawk Chatters Club, Sydney Sea Eagles, 367 Collins Street by Mirvac, and PLO.
Saturday was a beautiful ‘fall’ day – yes, ‘fall’ day on the Canadian Prairies. The top of the trees have a kiss of gold and it was a perfect morning, after feeding Missey, Lewis, and Calico, to head and check on the American White Pelicans that spend their spring and summer near me breeding.
Oh, I am very blessed. Three amazing rescue kittens. So sweet and so gentle.
Calico has moved in to be part of the family. Early Saturday evening I went to feed her. She ate like she had not seen food before and she began to follow me home. At one point she rolled on her back and I sat on the sidewalk and rubbed her tummy. No milk. All dried up – not like on Thursday when there was some milk at one teat. No indication of anyone sucking. I carried her the full block home. No one growled – I guess I smelled of Calico for so long that Missey and Lewis just accepted her. Still, she has a special room with several baskets, a carrier, an open donut bed and anything she could want including a small area to hide behind a basket. I will sit and read to her and stroke her and we will take time integrating into the rest of the house.
Letters went into mailboxes for the area where Calico had her kittens. Posters have gone up. Sadly, if there were any surviving kittens, I do not know what they look like, but people around here are good, and they will bring any kittens to me if they see them on the streets – if they can catch them or let me know where they saw them. For now, Calico is safe. No more life on the streets – it is a new beginning for her and us! She is sleeping in a basket on top of a quilt made in the early 1800s by my great-great-great grandmother. I spent much time scratching her face and rubbing her. Not a burr in sight. Slee well, Calico!
At least a third of all North American White American Pelicans arrive in Manitoba in spring and depart late summer or early fall. They are truly a wonderful sight. Many grab a picnic lunch and sit on the shore of the Red River, watching them at a place called Lockport – there is a dam, and they catch the fish when they come over. There were a few Cormorants today.
On Thursday, I wrote to Michael St John in Barbados to see if there had been any further sightings of Blue KW0. Ah, he wrote back and sadly had not see the British osprey blown off course last year since March. Oh, but wait…Saturday afternoon I received a note – did I bring Michael some luck (he thinks so) – twice since our correspondence, he saw and photographed this famous osprey. Oh, fantastic! I look forward to seeing Blue KW0 in person later this year and meeting Michael and everyone working so hard for wildlife on the island. Thanks for allowing me to share the photographs, Michael.
Speaking of famous Ospreys, Zoe is infamous for some reasons many do not like to discuss but, many of you might not know who she is. Fran Solly wrote Zoe’s Story back in August. I will post it here in case you do not know what could be the sad ending to the only surviving osplet from Port Lincoln in 2022.
Prior to her departure, Zoe was often characterised as a ‘fish eating machine’. Her two siblings perished due to siblicide in the nest…it was quite sad and there were times I found myself upset with Zoe especially when it was clear that Mum was so hungry. Middle was an especially sweet osprey, but food deliveries were down for a period, and many believed that Dad might have been having health problems.
Zoe’s sibling Ervie (2021) used to fish with Dad at Delamere. I wonder when they were last seen fishing together? Does anyone know?
Mum with her new mate. Remember, for identification, it is the markings on the head that never change from year to year. Take photographs and compare them from all angles. It is unclear whether or not the couple will successfully produce eggs in their first year together. Many do not. We wait. There is no urgency. The ospreys do not migrate, but the breeding season coincides with better weather and fish.
These special times of seeing Mini on the Patchogue nest could be drawing to a close. She arrived on the platform Saturday morning at 0855 with a chunk of fish. She worked down the last of it at 0901 and flew off. She has developed a good strategy for holding on to small pieces by using her beak. And we can get a good look at her leg. Yes, it is still a bit wonky.
Mini makes funny faces. I want to remember her like this – spunky and full of life. She did not let anything get her down and she delighted in the most curious of things – a sandal and a piece of cardboard.
Good night, Mini!
At Glaslyn, 0H2 had four fish deliveries…0H1 was nowhere to be seen. Thanks, Aran! The birds are moving south. Everyone feels a change of seasons.
Fish continue to arrive at the nest of Idris and Telyn at Dyfi in Wales.
Saturday morning, Maya was still enjoying being with Blue 33 for another day at least. These two are such a very special couple.
People often ask if the females deliver fish to the fledglings..yes, and often before they fledge! CJ7 has been busy delivering fish to 5H5 at Poole Harbour on Saturday.
There was also a goshawk that landed on the nest and Blue 022 drove it away. This is so scary. The couple lost a chick last year to a goshawk and we do not want anyone to get injured or worse now. It is migration time – even in Poole Harbour where thousands of birds on their way to Africa stop over to rest and feed before crossing the water to France.
‘H’ brings us up to date on what has been happening at Fortis Exshaw. “The intruder osprey pair that completed a nest takeover a few days ago was on and off the nest throughout the day. Louise was last seen at the nest or perch three times on 8/24, and possibly once on the 25th. On 8/26, Louise may have landed on the T-perch once and the tall pole once, but it was impossible to say. There were quite a few times when we heard Banff either in the distance or closer to the nest, but for the most part, she stayed away from the nest. Perhaps Banff had heeded our warnings! At 0857 we heard Banff approaching, and the female intruder jumped up to intercept her. We did not get a good look at Banff, but we knew it was her. There were also other times when we knew the intruders flew off the nest to chase Banff, because we had heard her. A couple of times when the intruder pair was on the nest, they alerted when an osprey flew close. It could have been Louise, or another osprey, but Banff tends to announce her arrivals, lol. Listening to Banff’s vocals at 1409 and also at 1757 was particularly notable, and enjoyable. We could hear her chatter starting in the distance and progressively getting closer to the nest. We did not see her (thankfully she did not land on the nest). But what was utterly delightful was the ‘cheerfulness’ heard in her voice! Banff actually sounded ‘happy’. She was having fun. You go girl! I was grinning from ear to ear. Banff was adjusting to her new life, out and about in the world without needing the nest-of-her-youth as her anchor. Banff is technically still youthful, but after facing and surviving the many trials and challenges she has had to endure since she fledged, she is no doubt, wise and skilled way beyond her days. So, to summarize, it was a relatively uneventful day . . oops, uh . . wait just a minute . . At 2049 Banff was heard calling, and she landed on the nest! She may have been chased, and she immediately assumed a slightly submissive posture. In less than twenty seconds, Banff was dive bombed and hit twice. She then quickly flew off the nest. It seems that the intruders constantly have the nest in their crosshairs and they are on Banff like ‘white on rice’. Banff is still learning to accept that she is a defenseless ‘sitting duck’ on the nest, and she is not safe there. Good night, Dear Banff, stay safe. Good night, Dear Louise, and thanks for continuing to take such good care of your girl (our girl).”
Oh, what a terrible season Louise has had. Our hearts really go out to her and Banff. Thank you ‘H’ for your careful monitoring and concern for this family.
Here are the other four reports by ‘H’.
Kent Island – Tom brought four fish to his young lady, but Molly wanted more. Molly stood on the nest in the afternoon, staring down at the water, contemplating and triangulating. Then she plunged straight down toward the water. We could hear a splash, and we had a brief glimpse of her emerging from the water empty taloned. Nice try, kiddo! Audrey was last seen on 8/24.
Osoyoos – There was an empty nest for a large part of the day, but Junior may be perching just out of our view. I only saw two fish brought to the nest, but I might have missed one, and Junior may be eating off nest. All seems to be well for this osprey family.
Barnegat Light – Duke delivered five fish for Dorsett. Dorsett was still eating fish #4 on the utility pole when she saw her dad flying to the nest with another fish. So she held onto her fish and flew back to grab fish #5. Dorsett had two fish at once!
Thanks, Suzanne Arnold Horning, for chasing after any Ms still on the Cornell Campus. Your photos are always heartwarming. Nice to see one of the Ms!
Well, it was a grand day – full of prey – for the sea eagles! ‘A’ fills us in: “For the first time last night, Lady didn’t sleep with the eaglets. Soon after midnight, she went to the perch branch behind the nest, where she slept for the remainder of the night. She was keeping an eye on the youngsters, but they were alone on the nest. They are awake, waiting for breakfast, at 06:22…..”
“There is a chunk of that fish left at the back of the nest. It appears to be the tail and attached flesh and may represent a quarter of that large fish (I have no idea why Lady went to so much trouble to get the flesh off the bony parts of this fish while leaving this chunki at the back of the fish, I have no idea. She must have eaten it through the middle and then finished off the head end (which they seem to prefer starting with for some reason). SE32 has been aware of this for a while, and has even approached it to consider a nibble, but he is simply way too full. SE31, however, has a much smaller crop, and at 12:15, SE31 reaches out and grabs the open end of the fish tail, pulling it towards herself. Smart girl, SE31. She looks around, perhaps hoping a parent will come and help her. She then surveys the fish again. She is unable to work out the problem and resumes wingercising. The size discrepancy between the two eaglets, while still obvious, appears to have shrunk significantly over the past three days. SE31 was getting close to twice SE32’s size, but just have a look at them now! I am starting to believe in this nest turnaround. This is the third day of SE32 gaining confidence and eating plenty. While he began by retaining a little caution, he has now thrown that entirely to the winds and is acting as though he is the dominant chick on the nest. SE31 is deferring to him, reinforcing his belief that he is top eaglet. He is quite prepared to rear up and stare SE31 down on the rare occasions it is necessary, and the timid submissive little man we saw only four or five days ago is a thing of the past. This is an entirely new nest. What a joy it is. And the fishing has been excellent for the past few days as well. I do wonder what would happen if the fish suddenly disappeared for a day or two. Would things revert to an SE31-dominant situation? Or would the relationship that currently exists survive a food shortage? Let’s hope we do not have to find out. Just after 12:36, Lady arrives with a small-medium fish for lunch. SE32 is closer and sits up. SE31 remains in duckling position and watches. Lady is looking around, so SE32 sits down again. After a while, she starts feeding SE32 while SE31 watches. There really is a large chunk of leftover fish from this morning. It’s way bigger than I realised (it was hard to see initially) – it is significantly larger than this fresh fish, which itself is a reasonably sized fish of the same variety of the small fish that were being brought in earlier in the week. Still a nice fish, and SE32 is enjoying it, but that fish this morning was another monster and should feed the nest for the remainder of the day. It is the bottom third of the fish, so it is open at one end. I am wondering whether either chick will attempt it. SE32 is so full, I doubt he will be motivated to bother, but SE31 has not eaten enough yet today so she may well be hungry enough during the afternoon. We will see. For now, Lady is feeding SE32 again. Still. At 12:40:53, she gives a grateful SE31 a bite. SE32 pulls himself up and shuffles forward a little so that both eaglets are sitting up side by side at the table. SE32 gets the next bite but Lady then starts feeding SE31. It appears SE32 is a bit distracted and at 12:41:45, as he takes care of yet another PS, Lady offers another big bite to SE31, who is happy to take it. Around 12:42 Lady switches to the leftover chunk of fish. She feeds both eaglets a bite, then concentrates on feeding SE31, who eats big bites. She is hungry. SE32 sits beside her and watches her eating. Dad flies onto the nest at about 12:45. It’s hard to see if he has prey. It looks like a bunch of eucalypt leaves. Dad has a very large crop. Lady continues feeding SE31. Dad flies up onto a perch branch and Lady continues feeding SE31. Just before 12:34, SE31 gets up, turns around and walks away from the table to collapse on the front rails. Her crop now matches SE32’s. Lady proceeds to start feeding SE32, in case he can fit any more, and he does his best to oblige. He keeps eating steadily until just after 13:00, at which point he too stops. It is 13:04:15. He looks like a Thanksgiving turkey!! He turns away from the table, despite Lady’s best efforts at coaxing him to see whether an eaglet can physically burst through eating. (Spoiler alert: Apparently not. Probably …. )”
“Today was the third consecutive day and this nest has turned around. Today, SE32 occasionally pecked at his sister (just gently), such as when her wingercising hit him by mistake, and he was first up to each feeding (unless he was in a food coma, in which case SE31 would get fed). He is so confident that the casual viewer would assume him to be the dominant chick on the nest. Both are happy, very very full, and playing together so nicely. They will both sleep well tonight. The fishing is extraordinary, with plentiful fish being brought in (two of the biggest fish I’ve ever seen have come in over the last three days, along with additional smaller fish). Both parents are also eating heartily. The nest is humming along, which of course makes one fear it is all about to come crashing down. But let’s remain positive and just enjoy these two beautiful siblings growing up together happily and peacefully. It is just lovely.”
This video clip by Gracie Shepherd was too cute to leave out…32 honking at 31! Just smile. 32 is getting its mojo.
Darling Xavier and the first time with his egg captured in video by Elain. Oh, Xavier is such a darling. Goodness…
And I love this post! Have a laugh!!!!!!
Annie and Lou have been pair bonding again..don’t you love peregrine falcons?
Ah, the air is still crisp. In Manitoba, it is time for local corn and apples. Even though it is not yet September, it feels like fall is officially arriving. It is a beautiful time of year. The wasps will leave. Hopefully, the heat and humidity will be gone, and walks will be done with a little quicker step. The Canada Geese will begin arriving at the nature centre from up north. They will take a break and spend a few days with us. By the middle of September, hundreds and hundreds, if not thousands, will arrive just after dusk. It is my favourite time of year…there is something about the scent of fallen leaves, just slightly damp, the tussle of the ones that have dried, the squirrels working hard for winter. It is lovely!
But for now, I will sleep so well – Calico is home. She is off the streets and safe. No more worries about her being hit by a car. The challenge is to continue to get her fur in good order, get her health checked and everything that goes along with that…. it is time for Missey and Lewis (almost) to have their annual check-up! They have been spreading their joy for almost a year. Life is good.
Calico slept in the basket on the antique quilt waking up to breakfast without wasps attacking her. She has not cried or growled or scratched or tried to leave her space. Missey and lewis are curious – but no growling. They saw one another for the first time this morning. The trio will be eased into one another’s lives slowly. For now, though, it is really blissful.
The kittens ask that you remember their friends outside!
Thank you for being with me this morning. It is time to feed the garden animals. I will be counting Blue Jays wondering if they will migrate or if they will stay over for the winter. Their ‘blue’ is gorgeous when it is snowing! Take care all. See you soon.
Thank you to ‘A and H’ for their wonderful reports, to MSJ and SAH for allowing me to use their photographs, Fran Solly, PLO, PSEG, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Dyfi Ospreys, LRWT, Poole Harbour ospreys, Fortis Exshaw, Kent Island, Osoyoos, Wildlife Conserve of NJ, Sydney Sea Eagles, Sk Hideaways and Sydney sea Eagles, Gracie Shepherd and Sydney Sea EAgles, Elain and Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, Karen Leng and Orange Australia Peregrine Falcons, and SK Hideaways and Cal Falcons.
We are supposed to have rain over the next week. Everyone knows this and was in a bit of a panic to get outside and be in the nature centre today before it rains for 6 or 7 days. Of course, it never rains all day long. It is like Asia when it looks like the forecast is 100% for all day, but the rains begin, on time, at 1600 and are downpours and then stop. That said, it has been raining for the past four hours…Little Red, the Blue Jays, and all the sparrows continue to eat regardless. I am putting a bit of food out every hour so that it does not get wet for them. They also have seed cylinders, the solid ones inside the lilac bushes.
Calico has a covered area where she can eat (along with a few of her friends if they stop by). She comes on the dot just about every 3 hours. Her fur looks better since the worm and flea/tick treatment. I was reminded by ‘RP’ today that often kittens will follow their mother to find food. Maybe a kitten or two or three will show up! I live in hope because Calico surely has them hidden well.
The new wetlands area begins at the lake. The water is pumped to another pond where it flows downwards, filling all of the pool areas in the park. (All photos taken with iPhone).
I went to count goslings. There were only 14 visible but mostly there were mature Mallards, a few American Goldfinches, Red-breasted Nuthatches, and Black-capped Chickadees. The animals and birds were quiet. Humans were loud. It was nice to have the nature centre garden market open – lots of freshly picked veggies, the profits going to a good cause.
The day continues to be consumed with Mini and her left leg. There are visible two puncture wounds above the ankle and before the knee of the left leg. Did Mini injure her leg stretching it and having someone’s talons caught in hers? A fish fight? We don’t know.
Indeed, any observer knows very little. We can deduce that she is keeping her balance with her wings. She appears to be in some pain. She is still flying and she is hungry. She is not – and I want to repeat this – she is not lethargic. She is not grounded. My friend ‘R’ and I know that if it is a sprain it will heal. If it is a break, it will heal – maybe not the precise way that it would if set in a cast but there is no guarantee that a wildlife rehabber would —- OK and this is harsh — put Mini’s leg in a cast and keep her in residence til late next spring when she could be released. She would not be ready for this year’s migration. This is something that has to be considered. I know that it is hard to watch her but she is alive, eating, flying, screaming for fish.
My reaction to Mini comes out of remembering many others, like Mini, that did not get a second chance. The first one that comes to mind is WBSE 26. We need to take a deep breath, send positive wishes, and not panic but observe.
1530: Fighting with one of those hard to eat fish unless the head has been taken off…it is good practice for our girl to try and open up these fish, though. No matter how frustrating it is to watch. She will have to do it soon enough in the real world without parents.
The two puncture marks above the left ankle before the knee. Two spaced black dots the distance of talons. We do not want these to get infected. (Mini could we ask that you go and stand in some salt water and soak that leg? Salt water aids healing).
You can see the punctures better here.
Mini has been on and off the nest. She has been fish-calling. Flying down from the perch. It was not a bad landing.
Our beautiful survivor.
Gone.
Bobby Horvath has a practice on Long Island. He rescued Pale Male (the 31-year-old celebrity Red-tail Hawk with its nest on one of the most expensive properties in Central Park) and held him as Pale Male was dying. Horvath is willing to come out to help Mini if she is lethargic. Here is the note that he sent ‘L’ and the phone number. Write it down! Bobby might be our best hope that she would get good care instead of being euthanised. But he is busy – like everyone, and please note that he is stressing weak or lethargic – low or on the ground – not on the nest. Please don’t call him otherwise. All the rehabbers are busy. There are strict laws – and we don’t want anyone to get tired of hearing about Mini. We want them to respond when it is necessary. At least one local individual is making trips to check around the nesting area if Mini were to get grounded.
One diagnosis from a trained reader ‘MP’ suggests that this could be a lunated patella (a dislocation). I found an academic paper on this orthopaedic problem.
Steelscape: The third hatch has a huge crop today. And wait…more news. The third hatch had 3 fish today…and one of the older siblings had a huge crop. All is fine. We can relax. Thanks so much for the images and the report ‘PB’.
Fortis: ‘PB gave me the head’s up early that we would be getting a very good report from ‘H’. There were two whoppers brought on to the nest!
‘H’ writes: “It turned out to be a very good day. The youngest osplet, JJ, had not had very much to eat for the previous three days. The viewers were all extremely worried for him. The day started out with Louise delivering a headless fish, which JJ initially acquired. JJ had the fish for a couple of minutes and managed to pull off a few bites before big sis, Banff, took it away. Banff ate that entire fish, but JJ managed to grab the tail. For JJ’s sake, we knew there had to be another fish delivered soon while Banff was still full, but the next fish did not arrive for four hours. At 1215, Louise delivered the largest fish to date this season. It was massive. Louise initially wanted to hold on to the fish to feed, but Banff took it. It was a tough fish and Banff had not made much headway, when JJ managed to drag the huge fish from Banff at 1242. They traded possession of the fish a couple more times before Louise returned to the nest at 1355. She confiscated the fish and fed JJ! That’s what we were all hoping she would do. JJ was fed for 10 minutes before he got the boot from Banff, and then Louise fed Banff. By 1422 Louise was clearly distracted by something and she stopped feeding. She was on alert. At least 1/2 of that huge fish was left, and JJ tried to pull off a few more bites. Louise flew off the nest at 1456 taking the rest of the fish with her! She returned at 1535, with the same fish. There was still about 1/2 of the fish remaining, it did not appear as though Louise had eaten any of it. Banff claimed the fish at that point and ate until 1608. JJ then fed for an hour before Banff reclaimed the fish at 1707. When Banff quit eating again, JJ ate from 1730 to 1808. Then Banff ate some more, and finally downed the tail of that massive fish at 1821. That had been a 6-hour fish! So, there were only two fish delivered to the nest, but the monster fish had provided at least six or seven meals each for JJ and Banff. JJ had his largest crop in days. The siblings are 54 days old. Banff has managed to increase her lift off the nest during her wingers, but has not hovered as yet. JJ has only achieved a few inches of lift off the nest while wingercising. During the night of 8/11, the siblings both slept upright and tucked for the very first time.”
Those are two North American nests I have been concerned about in addition to Mini. The other nest is PSPB Loch Garten and the attacks on the two male juveniles by a male fledgling from that same nest in 2020. Remember the males return to their natal nest area and things are getting crowded in parts of Scotland.
There remain intruders including an unringed female at Loch Garten. The injured chick 2C4’s wing has stopped bleeding. Hopeful he will be fine.
Sadly, the 2020 fledgling KL5 is back again this morning at the nest.
Thankfully all is well at the nest of Louis and Dorcha at Loch Arkaig – and Ludo is as noisy as ever.
Suzanne Arnold Horning found all of the hawks on the Cornell Campus Thursday. So grateful for her diligence and kindness in sharing her images of Big Red and Arthur’s family.
‘A’ reports on the Australian and NZ nests:
Sydney Sea Eaglets: “This morning’s breakfast had to wait for Dad to bring in a fish. Eventually, just before 09:20, he came in with a whole fresh small-medium fish, which Lady fed to the chicks and ate herself. After the breakfish was consumed, Lady headed off. Dad brought in part of a fish (slightly less than half – he had eaten the head and then kept going for a bit longer). He stood there for some time, waiting for Lady to arrive and feed the eaglets, but she never came and the chicks were obviously begging him for food, sitting up at the table and trying to move closer to him and the fish. Eventually, he decided to feed them, and both got quite a few bites before Dad downed the tail, fed the kids a few more bites, then took the remaining morsel to the perch branch to eat himself. So now the nest is again devoid of food and we do need a good feeding day today. I was happy to see that both chicks waking up hungry and waiting for a later-than-usual breakfast did not precipitate bonking behaviour. Both were peaceful while they waited for food to arrive and once it did, there was negligible bonking. SE32 has taken to pushing itself forward, in front of SE31, to ensure it gets fed, and SE31 is allowing it to eat without interference most of the time. SE32 is still wary, and ducks for cover if SE31 does beak it, but the shaking by the back of the neck has largely ceased.”
Royal Cam Albatross: “We are hoping that Manaaki gets his supplementary feeding today – he looks literally flattened as he lies in his nest and seems to be low on energy (or just conserving it). He had built up significant reserves, according to the rangers, and is not on the high priority list but is still scheduled to be fed by today. As every day passes, I worry more and more about his parents.”
I just noted before I closed the blog this morning that the supplementary feeding was given to the Royal Cam chick. This is a great relief to everyone who sat and worried about this little bundle of joy.
Collins Street: “Cameras won’t be back up at Collins Street until the first egg is laid (last year, that was 25 August, so some time in the next two weeks is likely).”
Port Lincoln: “At Port Lincoln, they are on egg watch. To be honest, every time I watch and see mum sitting on the nest, I wonder whether she is laying that first egg. She is in that position now and I am wondering if this is the big moment. Surely, there will be at least one egg on that barge before the weekend is over.”
Orange Falcons: “Orange is as it always is – Diamond with a full crop, Xavier dancing about looking handsome. It’s just after 1pm in eastern Australia. A lovely day in Sydney, Orange and Melbourne, though they are expecting rain in Port Lincoln.”
Wondering about Dmitri and his stork? Excellent post on Thursday from Karla Pilz!
At the nest of Karl II, the three fledglings slept on the nest and then were there for the morning and flew off.
‘H’s other reports!
Kent Island – This Chesapeake osprey family is doing very well, and dear Mollie seems to be very close to fledging. She hovered high out of sight for several seconds, and for a while we didn’t know if she had fledged. Audrey and Tom’s youngster is 60 days old.
Barnegat Light – Life is grand for the fledgling, Dorsett. And, she has shown a definite preference for eating her meals on the utility pole. Dorsett is 72 days old, and fledged 12 days ago.
The Osoyoos osprey cam was offline for the second straight day. We miss the ‘O’s and we are anxious to see how they are doing. The young nestling is 46 days old.
Thanks ‘H’.
Skipping to a couple of other nests before I close for the morning.
Boulder County: All three fledglings were perched for the night and off the nest in the morning. They are being fed off cam it appears and all is well for this family as it prepares to migrate.
At the Dyfi Osprey Centre, they are remembering Monty. Monty was the male at Dyfi from 2011-19. He had three mates – Nora, Glesni, and Telyn. Of their children, 8 have returned as two year olds. A remarkable number and his DNA continues throughout the area….his perch is inside the new Centre.
The Dyfi website adds: “Monty was the breeding male at the Dyfi from 2011 to 2019 and he is arguably the most famous, and loved, osprey in the world! Monty was unringed so we never knew exactly how old he was or where he came from. We know that he has been around on the Dyfi since at least 2008 and probably 2007, so his year of birth has to be 2005 or earlier…Monty was a fantastic fisherman whose fishing habits have been closely studied. Two separate scientific studies conducted in 2013 and 2015 have concluded that there is no correlation between the fish species that Monty catches and environmental factors such as tidal phase, temperature, time of day etc. It seemed he was able to catch a fish whenever he (or his family) was hungry and did not need to link his fishing trips to any other factor. Monty’s typical catch was grey mullet but he has been known to bring home some more unusual fish including a long eel-like garfish, a poisonous greater weaver fish and the occasional twait shad!”
The other nest I want to mention is Iris. She is still with us in Missoula and she has not been visited by Louis as much this year (it seems) as in years past. Pe chaps it is the weather and the challenge of feeding the trio and Starr. Iris has had a persistent visitor, a ringed male and here is some information posted on him this morning. Iris is, by the way, not chasing him off.
Thank you for being with me today…please send good wishes to Mini. Take care. See you soon!
I am so grateful to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog this morning: “A, H, L, MP, PB, RM, RP’, PSEG, Steelscape, Veterinary Quarterly, Fortis Exshaw, RSPB Loch Garten, Sue Wallbanks and Friends of Loch Arkaig Ospreys, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Suzanne Arnold Horning, SK Hideaways and Sydney Sea Eagles, NZ DOC, Lady Hawk and NZ DOC, PLO, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, Karla Pilz and Stork 40, Eagle Club of Estonia, Kent Island, Conserve Wildlife of NJ, Dyfi Osprey Project, and Mary Anne Miller and Montana Ospreys at Hellgate.
I hope the beginning of the week has been kind to each of you! It is nearing 1700 on Monday as I begin to write after spending some time checking on the birds – both on the screen and in the garden. Things are winding down. Spotters in the UK are starting to see migrating ospreys flying south. Here it was sunny and is now overcast. The Blue Jays and a single Crow have offered joy in the garden today. It will not be long before the migrating birds appear, including the hummingbirds and the Baltimore Orioles looking for their grape jelly and oranges, before continuing their southern journeys. I plan to get to the nature centre on Wednesday for a long walk and check on the ducklings and goslings. They should be all grown up! Little Red was there, too, and Dyson and the gang will, hopefully, be around later this evening.
There is severe weather headed for the east coast of the US that is predicted to produce 75-80 mph winds, hail, and tornadoes. Thinking of all our nests including, potentially, our Mini – and all of you. Stay safe.
Mini was on the nest at least twice today. In the image below, at 16:32, she has a crop. She got the 0601 fish delivery! Not huge, but a fish, and she will have another during the day for sure – as is noted in that 16:32 crop.
It is hard to see Mini’s nest empty…one day soon she will not show up, she will be on her way south. While we will never know for certain what will happen to this young lady, she has been a survivor. There is some concern Monday evening that Mini might have an injury to her left leg. Let us all just breathe. We have seen ‘slight’ injuries on nests take several days to heal. Mini will rest and Dad will bring fish if she is, indeed, having an issue.
Oh, goodness. Mini is still favouring that left leg this morning. She cannot put much weight on it. She has a fish and let us all hope that our little one heals..she has plenty of time before she might think about migrating in September. Just rest, Mini!
Can she hold down the fish hard well enough to eat…let’s keep an eye.
We fretted over the debris in Mini’s nest and thankfully, none of the twine or the bin bags endangered the health of the adults or the osplets. In Montana, they continue to find osprey chicks when they are being banded in nests where they are tangled – dangerously so. Thankful for the intervention.
Oh, what a cute little one. So grateful he is recovering.
A hope, skip, and jump around the nests. There is not a lot of action – that is a good thing.
MN Landscape: Chick is self-feeding, but when Mum has a fish she is eating, this baby is loud with the fish begging!
Boulder County: That nest just seems to get smaller and smaller when all three of the fledglings are home!
Seaside: Naika and Kawok continue to fly in and off the nest. Naika had a beautiful big fish that could not be finished. Kawok got to finish the best part – the tail half!
Clark PUD: One osplet has fledged. Both on the nest and being fed. All looks good.
Loch of the Lowes: Please note that Blue NC0 has not been seen since 15 July and the male, Blue PF5 for several days now.
Janakkala, Finland: Ospreys watching for Dad who delivers fish – and then the great tug o war begins.
Muonio, Finland. Video of the ringing of the chicks has been released.
Port Lincoln Osprey: The date of Zoe’s egg tells it all. Soon we will be staring at incubation in Southern Australia.
Mum and Dad on the nest of the barge at Port Lincoln. They are both anticipating the arrival of the first egg.
It is time for ‘H’s report:
Fortis Exshaw: “It was not the best of days for the youngest chick, JJ. In the early morning, both Banff and JJ took turns trying to eat the large fish tail left over from the very tough fish the previous day. The tail also had a large piece of attached skin dangling from it. JJ finally managed to eat the skin and tail at 0816. As it turned out, that was all that JJ had to eat on 8/7. Two large fish were delivered to the nest, the first one by O’Hara at 0844, and Louise delivered one at 1352. The older sibling, Banff, ate both of those fish. JJ did have a couple of good meals the previous day, however, and we’re hoping the fishing improves for Louise and O’Hara today. The air was visibly smoky or foggy for most of the day, and a nearby viewer confirmed it was smoke from a distant fire. Perhaps the smoke had made fishing more difficult for the adults. There were no major intruder issues that we could see.”
Osoyoos – It was another good day for the family. There were six fish delivered to the nest. The body of chick #2 had been slipping off the edge of the nest for a few hours, and at 1205 when Soo shook the nest as she flew, the body finally fell to the ground. A member of the Facebook group who lives in Osoyoos was going to try to retrieve #2’s body.
Kent Island – A severe storm system went through the area in the evening, with heavy rains and wind gusts that were predicted to be up to 70 mph. The live video stream went off, and the cam is showing highlights. During the day, young Molly had been ‘helicoptering’ so high that she was out of cam view a couple of times. I hope she wasn’t too excited with all the wind and continued practicing her hovers. We hope that Molly and her parents, Audrey and Tom, stayed safe during the storm. We anxiously await the return of the live stream, and for any news from the Com family.
Barnegat Light – A couple of ‘firsts’ for this osprey family on 8/7: On 6/28 Dorsett was banded, and afterward the bander installed a new perch for Duke near the Bay. On 8/4, the fledgling Dorsett, was on the perch for the first time, and then on 8/7 Daisy tried the perch for the first time! The other ‘first’ was that Dorsett flew in and landed on the railing with a big gob of soft nesting material in her talon. A surprised Daisy said, “Well how lovely, thank you very much, Dear!”
Severna Park was another nest impacted by the strong storm system on 8/7. Here is a photo of the two fledglings after the worst of the storm was over.
Patuxent Nest-1 was also inundated by the storm on 8/7. In this photo the two fledglings are waiting for their ‘breakfish’ delivery on 8/8.
Audubon Boathouse – It is not very often that Skiff and Dory are seen together at the Boathouse nest, but they were on 8/6. Little Skipper was predated by an owl 15 days ago. The view from the Boathouse nest cam is one of the most picturesque of any osprey streaming cam, and perhaps soon I will be able to find solace in its beauty. But, it’s just not happening yet.
Black Stork Karula Forest: This is the nest of Karl II and Kaia. Karl II has the sole responsibility for feeding the three storklets since 23 July at 16:19 when Kaia was last seen on the nest. She is not dead. She is foraging in an area with a brook about 6km from the nest site. Storklet 7194 fledged on 7 August.
Big Red and Arthur’s Red Tail Hawk Nest:
Ferris Akel has some really good footage of the Ms and family!
San Jose City Hall: SK Hideaways caught more bonding between Monty and Hartley. Wonder where Soledad is and how she is doing?
Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, Orange: Xavier and Diamond continue bonding and mating as the 2023 breeding season is getting ready to begin in Australia. ‘A’ remarks, “At Orange, bonding activities are increasing, including mating up to several times an hour and much prey being brought to the scrape. Diamond will occasionally accept a starling but only if she is particularly hungry, which is rare – she is not often seen without a noticeable crop. Xavier brought her an eastern rosella she was happy about the other day and a pigeon was on today’s menu, but he usually dances around with his starlings before leaving again, taking his starling with him. He is so svelte and handsome with his snowy bib and his orange feet.”
Sydney Sea Eagles: Both eaglets are being fed very well. There is a variety of food including fish and today an eel! Their big crops have made lovely cushions to sleep on. What a relief.
Roy Cam Albatross: ‘A’ reports “The big news is that Manaaki weighed only 8 kg at today’s weighing (he is 200 days old today, only 40 days from the average fledge age, and today was one of 20 chicks at the colony, 10 males and 10 females, to be fitted with a data logger). The 8 kg he weighed today is down from his peak weight of 11 kg, and a supplementary feeding is scheduled for him tomorrow or Thursday. Imagine, we never thought we would see our big boy needing supplementary feeding, but that is what happens when a parent fails to return, and sadly, it has been way too long since we last saw L (20 July). GLY has done his best but he is unable to sustain a male chick on his own. At this point, GLY has not been in since 30 July, which is a very long time for GLY, who usually has half that time between visits. Before this absence, L was gone for 15 days in April and again in May, but this is significantly longer than those absences. So we are all worried about both parents at this stage and Manaaki has obviously been hungry for several days, begging other chicks’ parents for food. It would be a tragedy to lose either one of this couple, who had already successfully fledged two chicks before Manaaki so were a well-established pair.”
Lady Hawk gives us a video of the GPS tracking device and the weighing.
Going back to Port Lincoln, there is news of Ervie and Zoe from the Port Lincoln FB page today:
Please send all your most positive energy to our Mini if she has an injury to her leg so that she rests and recovers fully.
Thanks, everyone for being with me today. Please take care. I look forward to seeing you again soon!
Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, images, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘A, H’, CNN Weather, NOAA, PSEG, Wild Skies Raptor Centre, MN Landscape Arboretum, Boulder County, Seaside, Clark PUD, LOTL, FOF, PLO, Fortis Exshaw, Osoyoos, Audubon Boathouse, Patuxent River Park, Severna, Wildlife Conserve of NJ, Kent Island Ospreys, Eagle Club of Estonia, Looduskalender, Ferris Akel Tours, Cornell Bird Lab, SK Hideaways and San Jose City Hall, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam and Cilla Kinross, and Lady Hawk and NZ DOC, Sydney Sea Eagle Cam and Port Lincoln Ospreys FB.
I hope that you have had a really lovely weekend so far. Here the potatoes in the fibre bags are dying off at the top, signalling they are ready to be dug. Some tomato plants think they are finished producing, while others have substantial green heritage tomatoes waiting to turn red. The pepper plants produced one pepper each, while the cucumber plant gave me two delicious English cokes. This year’s garden winners were the Basil, which grew like a small bush, the thyme, and rosemary. The grape tomatoes were also abundant. There is a ‘feel’ in the garden, like the summer is ending, something that doesn’t happen until September. Everything is still emerald green…it just feels a little ‘off’. It has been a very strange year.
When I first left my urban existence to live on a small acreage in rural Canada, some things did not make sense. Surrounded by big corporate farmers, they had cut down the hedgerows that kept the topsoil from blowing away when the winds were high and the soil dry. This caused them to have to use more fertiliser. The end result of all of that was my pond’s poisoning and my orchard’s death. That was decades ago. It all came back like a tidal wave today when I saw this article on farming and the benefits of hedgerows and fens to bring back wildlife.
There are many simple things that we can do, too including working to create what I call mini-corridors for the birds in our neighbourhoods as well as the other small mammals. Think using native plants in your garden along with bird feeders and sources of water. Create a pathway with your friends and neighbours for the birds and animals to move from yard to yard – thriving. The idea that birds and wildlife can find food readily available in urban centres should become a reality – we destroyed their habitat. Let’s help do something for them.
There really is not a lot of news in Bird World as fledglings and their mums fatten up in the UK and Europe for their migration. The same thing is happening in parts of North America but there are still chicks on the nest to fledge like those in Newfoundland/Labrador. We all watched in agony as the osplets of Hope and Beau died on the nest but, what we didn’t see – because the nests are not on streaming cams – are the numerous other nests in the region that thrived producing at least two but, often, three osplets this year.
The big worry of the day came from Fortis Exshaw where intruders – at least one female intruder – caused havoc. I will let ‘H’ tell us all about it but, there are intruders everywhere. In Canada, we can imagine that those in the regions hit hardest by the wildfires lost their nest and/or, their mate, and their chicks. Others are floating around. Some are heading south from further places in the north hoping to get an easy fish. Around the Canmore, Alberta area where the Fortis Exshaw nest is there are numerous Bald Eagles, these intruders or floaters, 2 year olds looking for a mate and a nest, and gulls to name a few of those that would love to peck off a free fish from an osprey. They don’t know there are two hungry babies on the nest needing that fish!
But it is not only Canada that is experiencing intruder issues. We have seen this in the US and it is also happening at some of the nests in the UK. Some, like Dyfi, are having visitors – two year olds scouting for nests and mates before migrating.
Just look at that beautiful bird. The genetics running through her is exceptional. Indeed, one of my friends says the measure of the success of the nest and the good DNA – along with a lot of luck – is in the two-year-old returnees. The problem is seeing them!
Another view of this gorgeous two year old.
Here is the information on the Dad, Merin. Interesting bird.
Llyn Clywedog has its share of visitors as has most of the other nests. Hopefully they will land, look, and take off without causing any mischief.
But the news of the day was being made at FortisExshaw and here is ‘H’s report: “What a range of emotions for the viewers of the Exshaw nest on 8/5. The youngest osplet, JJ, had not eaten in nearly two days, so we were hoping for a fish-filled day. But, intruders were the theme for most of the day. Louise and O’Hara were busy fending off intruders, and even when there seemed to be nothing happening, we knew that they were unable to bring fish to the nest. On at least two separate occasions a female intruder spent some time on the nest. (The video quality was still pixelated most of the day, so it made it very challenging to figure out the identities of all the birds.) The female intruder was actively preventing Louise from landing on the nest. Then, an amazing move by Louise at 1339 . . the female intruder and O’Hara were both on the nest, when Louise flew in with a fish and landed right where the female intruder was standing, intentionally delivering the fish to the intruder. The intruder quickly grabbed the fish and flew away, never to be seen again for the rest of the day. Brilliant idea, Louise . . feed the intruder! After that, several hours went by without a sighting of any adult ospreys. We were worried for JJ. Banff had eaten two fish the previous day. At 1729 Louise landed with a huge headless fish, and of course Banff grabbed it. Banff ate for 90 minutes before she finally walked away from a large leftover piece. Finally after 52 hours, JJ had some fish to eat. At 1936 Louise brought a very large whole fish to the nest, and Banff ate for a few minutes, but she was still too full. At 2021 there was a bit of a kerfuffle between the sibs, and Banff stole the remnants of fish #1 that JJ had been working on. JJ started eating fish #2 at 2046, and ate a pretty good amount of it. Louise landed with fish #3 at 2054, and Banff ate some of it. JJ quit eating from fish #2 and went to eat from fish #3. But, Louise wasn’t done yet . . at 2140 she brought in a large live fish. Louise started to feed Banff, so JJ returned to eating fish #3, but then he changed his mind and ate some more of fish #2. There was so much fish that JJ had a veritable fish buffet, lol. At 2150 Banff stopped eating, so Louise was able to eat from fish #4. At 2153 JJ quit eating from fish #2, walked over to Mom, and Louise fed JJ. Then, quite a memorable moment . . at 2154 JJ ate the tail of fish #4. In my mind, JJ scarfing down that fish tail was symbolic of this family having overcome so many challenges. Happy tears! In case you were wondering, only fish #1 and #4 were eaten in their entirety. Pieces of fish #2 and #3 remain somewhere on the nest. Louise assumed her position on the T-perch for the night at 2200. Good night to our beloved feathered friends. SOD.”
Let’s keep going with ‘H’s reports –
Osoyoos – It was another very good day for the Osoyoos ospreys. Olsen brought in nine fish for his family. Olsen’s fishing success is especially remarkable in view of the continuing heat wave and smokey air quality.
Severna Park – The juvies are still occasionally seen at the nest, and Oscar continues to provide meals for his fledglings.
Forsythe – Ollie spent most of the day at the nest, and Oscar brought her one fish. To my knowledge, Owen was not seen.
At the Patchogue nest, Mini had some nice fish. I counted at least three nice ones but there could have been more. She has a perch where she can see Dad coming in or she is on the nest waiting. The older ones do not seem to be coming in for fish – they would be fed ‘off camera’. In normal circumstances, the youngsters may try to fish (but not all do) and most are not proficient in fishing until they are on their own during migration.
Mini flies off at 0741 after eating her breakfast fish which had arrived at 0701.
She was full. You can see that lovely fish tail left on the nest. Dad will find it when he delivers Mini her next fish and he will finish it off.
Mini at 0844.
Enjoying a huge fish at 1503.
Collins Marsh: Both chicks have now fledged! Congratulations to everyone on a super successful season.
Clark PUD: Mum and the two osplets were hot and hungry when a big fish came to the nest. Mum wasted no time taking charge of that fish and all three ate. Well done, Mum!
MN Landscape Arboretum: Numerous small fish hitting the nest which is fantastic….sometimes the chick is not even hungry became they can arrive in such rapid succession.
Sandpoint: Two fish arrived – a small one and a medium one -. Like many nests, this one could use more fish!
Cowlitz PUD: The fledgling had at least two very nice sized fish on Saturday. Fantastic.
Boulder County: Cam 1 is back on line! And you can now return and watch the three fledglings eating beautiful fish with Mum and Dad close at hand.
Dyfi: Even with an intruder, all is well with the fledglings. Nice fish and the weather is improving.
Glaslyn: OH1 and OH2 are waiting for some fish! They are definitely not starving. Aran is a fantastic provider.
Poole Harbour: One chick has a crop and two are eating fish. What a fantastic nest this one is. CJ7 got herself a good mate by waiting.
Loch of the Lowes: The only ones around are Laddie LM12 and the first hatch, the female. I feel sad when I look at this nest plagued by intruders all season. Blue NC0 gallantly defended the nest and her babies so many times. she has not been seen since 15 July, and the second hatch, the male, has not been seen for some time. Is Laddie proving for him off camera?
Llyn Brenig: The crop in the top image and the fish in the second say it all. This nest is doing well.
Loch Garten: Asha and Brodie’s two fledglings waiting for fish, too. Brodie often brings in a late one so that Asha can enjoy some fish with whichever chick hasn’t had fish. They, too, have had their issues with intruders but the nest has been successful.
Loch Arkaig: Geemeff reports that there were so many fish brought to the nest by Louis on Saturday that Ludo could not eat them all. He was full to the gills! The nest even had intruders but hopefully Louis got some fine fish, too.
Finland #1: Fledgling waiting for fish. This is what we are seeing on most nests.
Finland #4. Apila really looks miserable – it is damp and its crop is really empty. This baby has yet to fledge according to the obs board for the camera.
Ilomantsin: All of the chicks have now fledged and all have returned to the nest and have, at one time or another, had a nice fish meal.
Sydney Sea Eagles: ‘A’ reports that SE32 got plenty of fish. “But today, like yesterday, the little one got plenty of food. Dad brought in two fish and mum brought in one, as they were a little smaller than those being caught last week. But there was plenty to go around and although SE32 had to wait its turn, it did end up getting three or four very good feedings for the day. The best position for it is behind SE31, so that it can reach over SE31 for food. Otherwise, if SE31 is behind SE32, it finds the back of SE32’s head just irresistible! …SE32 is becoming a trifle more confident, though it varies from feed to feed.”
SK Hideaways gives us a video of 32 getting lots of that fish!
Cornell Red-tail Hawks: Ferris Akel had his traditional Saturday tour and he found Big Red, Arthur, and L3 who was recently released in the area after being in rehab for around 9 months (please feel free to correct me on the time but it was many, many months).
Arthur out hunting new Holey Cow.
Big Red, our beautiful matriarch who is now 20+ years young.
L3 who is now flying beautifully and has her own red tail!
Thank you so much for being with me today. Please take care. See you soon.
Thank you to the following for their notes, observations, videos, photos, posts, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘A, Geemeff, H’, Ian L Winter and the Ospreys of Newfoundland and Labrador, Sally Whale and Friends of Dyfi Osprey Project, Dyfi Osprey Project, Osoyoos, Severna Park, Forsythe, PSEG, Collins Marsh, Clark PUD, MN Landscape Arboretum, Sandpoint, Cowlitz PUD, Boulder County, Bywyd Gwyllt Glaslyn, Poole Harbour, LOTL, Llyn Brenig, RSPB Loch Garten, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Finnish Osprey Foundation, SK Hideaways and Sydney Sea Eagles, and Ferris Akel Tours.
We are almost at the end of the week. The time is flying by, and in Canada this is the August long weekend. It will be 30 C, and everyone will rush to their cottage near a lake to refresh. For me, it will mean continued diligence in keeping the bird baths and bowls full of water. It also means that it is the weekend for local corn, time to finally pickle the beets, harvest the first of the potatoes (I planted the seed potatoes in fibre bags), and take several gallons of peaches and turn them into jam. About 6 blocks away, our award winning ice cream shop will have the first of the Louis Lavender flavour available. Everything they make is local and this is lavender mixed with Saskatoons – they are sort of like blueberries but I like them better. Looking forward!
There is lots of good news coming in. This is just a thin slice of what has been happening.
I am thinking Ospreys!
Some wonderful rescues! Every one of these speaks to the dedication of the people at the wildlife rehab clinics – most volunteers – and to the power of people to cause change. Never give up!
Do you fish?
We are still elated that the osprey was untangled without incident to it or the other sibling on the nest.
It takes an international community to help the wildlife. They cannot speak for themselves. They have a right to live without our debris, without their lives and those of their chicks being endangered by our garbage – balloons, baling twine, fishing line. Just as was the case with the osplet above, please do not give up. Phone the local wildlife rehabber, the USFWS offices, television and radio stations in the area – do whatever it takes to right the wrong. The Migratory Bird Act allows for interventions when human debris endanger the life of wildlife even chicks on the nest.
Encourage the owners of every streaming cam to do annual clean-ups and repairs to their nest platforms just like they perform on their cameras. Be alert to fishing line, baling twine, hooks and line on the nests and make those phone calls and send those e-mails. You could save a life and I promise you, you will wake up feeling better and more determined to help others. They cannot get themselves out of our mess. Just look at that twine below.
A group of people came to the rescue.
One last information post before we move to the nests. The term ‘Crossing the Rainbow Bridge’ is familiar to all of us. Have a look at this!
The results of the necroscopy on Tuffy2, the Red-tail Hawklet on the Redding Bald Eagle nest, are published. The photo is by Doug Gifford.
This is the summary:
Bay Raptor RescueAuthor Here is a summary of the necropsy: 1. The analysis supports my post-mortem findings that the hatch year female was in very poor nutritional condition. 2. Her body and head had wounds that are consistent with talon punctures. 3. The body wounds were older and partially healed, and include a fractured sternum. 4. Two head wounds were more severe and recent, with the larger, rear wound penetrating the skull and causing brain damage. 5. The diagnosis is predator trauma leading to reduced food intake and emaciation.
Bay Raptor Rescue, 2 August 2023
Time to check in our nests…let’s start with the reports from ‘H’ today!
Fortis Exshaw: It was an intruder-filled day, with many intruder fly-bys, and even an attempted landing. It started early, while Louise was away from the nest. At 0635 Mr.O landed urgently in intruder-defense mode. He jumped up to intercept an intruder and ended up falling on his face. Then he flew off after the intruder. Mr.O also flew to the nest a couple other times to help keep intruders away. At 1237 Mr.O stayed on the nest for a full 50 minutes to provide protection while Louise fed the chicks. There were six fish brought to the nest. Just before noon portions of the livestream video image pixelated making identifications of the ospreys difficult. There is a possibility that Mr.O may have delivered the fish at 1907. At 0605 chick #2 grabbed the first fish and began to eat, but #1 stole the fish four minutes later, and a bit later #2 stole it back. Both chicks ate well from that fish. Chick #1 ate the second fish at 1135. Louise fed both chicks at 1230. Chick #1 ate the next fish at 1756. At 1907 a small whole fish was dropped off and #2 grabbed it and mantled, but then surprisingly he walked away from it, so #1 ate the fish. Finally, at 2005 Louise brought in a large fish and provided a long feeding for chick #2. Chick #1 joined in the feeding later on.
Forsythe: There were only two fish delivered to the nest by Oscar on 8/2. It is impossible to know if the fledglings are being fed off the nest. But, Ollie in particular spends a lot of time at the nest. Owen acquired the first fish at 1001. Ollie was the winner of the second fish at 1619, and she flew off with it. However, Ollie arrogantly circled back around and buzzed Owen on the nest while still holding the fish. At 1630 Ollie tried to land on the nest to eat her fish, but Owen wouldn’t let her. A battle ensued with Owen taking possession of the fish, but both sibs ended up going overboard. They were seen chasing each other, and neither one had the fish! Ollie had lost her only fish of the day! These two siblings had several knock-down-drag-out fights throughout the day. It was awful to see. They are so hungry.
Osoyoos – Eight fish were brought to the nest, and all was well for this family of three.
Kent Island – At 51 days of age, Tom and Audrey’s chick did a nice job self-feeding from a fish delivered by Tom. An official name for youngster will be announced on 8/4!
Thank you so much, ‘H’!
Shifting to our Mini. I wonder how many of you continue to stop in to see if you can see Mini on the Patchogue nest? Clearly I do…she is such an inspiration. And today, she had at least one nice fish!
Mini sees Dad coming with the fish.
Gorgeous Mini two hours later. Hoping for another delivery.
The bird that got the 1948 fish was Mini! The hearts are a give away along with the dirty front part of the legs.
Steelscape: The cam is on highlights. Three had not even hatched!
Before that happened, ‘PB’ caught the oldest sibling flying for the first time. The time was 0944. Throughout the day, Mum has been fighting off intruders.
Llyn Clywedog: John Williams keeps some amazing statistics on events at the nest of Dylan and Seren and the number and type of fish form month to month is one of those.
Loch Arkaig: A Hooded Crow visits the nest when Louis has been there. Is this Dyson?
Tartastan RU Eagles: Those two Eastern Imperial Eaglets are looking out to the world of Tartastan and dreaming of it being theirs.
MN Landscape Arboretum: It has been hot and Mum has tried to keep her gloriously large only osplet cool on Wednesday.
Collins Marsh: Two beautiful osplets. Collins Marsh should be very thrilled this year to see these handsome birds. One has fledged – I believe the other still has to fly but correct me, please!
Boulder: They have all flown successfully. Congratulations! Dad flies off with his fish – no one is home. Notice that the markings on Dad’s legs are like those of Mini.
Charlo Montana: The cam is up and running and just look at those two precious osplets.
Glacier Gardens: Hope is another beautiful raptor and what a wonderful name. It is something that each of us could use more of in our lives. Hope is flapping those wings and dreaming of a world off the nest.
Did you know that the farther north you go the larger the raptors are in size? And did you know that Hope will fledge around 89 days – the average for Alaskan eagles. That is almost a fortnight longer in the nest that her southern counterparts. The American Eagle Foundation found a huge difference in weight which is logical, “Northern eagles are larger than Southern eagles. Male Bald eagles’ weight may range from 6 to 9 pounds, with females’ weights usually 20 to 30 percent greater. Alaskan females reach up to 15 pounds. Florida males may weigh only 6 pounds.”
At San Jose City Hall, Soledad’s parents, Monty and Hartley, are finding some time -now that their vivacious daughter has fledged – for some bonding.
Cal Falcons: And checking in with Annie and Lou – looks like Annie devoured one huge pigeon! I always find it interesting that the fuller the crop is the more ‘Lacey’ the feathers on the chest/breast area appear…just beautiful. Annie looks like she needs to go and loaf and fall into a food coma.
Kuopio Kallaesi: Only the smallest of the chicks, K7Y, who weighted only 1100 grams at the time of ringing, remains on the nest. The other two K8Y and K9Y have fledged and have returned to the nest. Poor thing is all wet this morning. The parents are still taking great care and this one gets a really nice fish and is self-feeding without any interference from the others. Grand.
Ilomantsin: Everything looks fine.
Cornell Red-Tail Hawks: So many of you have written after the death of M2. It is not clear whether she hit a building or a window. But, as most agree, Cornell should be setting the gold standard in terms of safety for. irds. It is, after all, the home of the internationally respected Cornell Bird Lab. So with $30.8 million of assets for the Cornell lab in fiscal year 2022 (annual report below, thanks EJ), couldn’t they spare what is needed to make each window safe? Last year a very kind and empathetic donor gave $20,000 to collusion proof the breezeway where K1 broke her neck. In other instances, Karel and Cindy used their own resources to collision-proof the bus shelters. Just say’in.
Because of M2’s death, it is reassuring that Suzanne Arnold Horning found all four remaining family members on campus on Wednesday.
Last, a photo of Murphy at the World Bird Sanctuary. His foster eaglet has been released and Murphy is enjoying being – just Murphy! I do wonder if he will ever incubate an egg again….we wait.
Thank you so much for being with me today. Have a fabulous day. Please take care of yourself. See you soon!
Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, pictures, Videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog for today: ‘EJ, H, JN, PB’, The Times, Parkes Champion Post, APCH, Linda McIlroy and Raptors of the World, Montana Osprey Cams, Christine’s Critters, KSBW TV News 8, Bay Raptor Rescue, Doug Gifford, Fortis Exshaw, Forsythe, Osoyoos, Kent Island, PSEG, Steelscape, The Clywedog Osprey Group, Tartastan Eagle Cam, MN Landscape Arboretum, Collins Marsh, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Boulder County, Charlo Montana, Glacier Gardens, SK Hideaways and SJ CH, SK Hideaway and Cal Falcons, Kuopio Kallaesi, Ilomantsin, Suzanne Arnold Horning and the Cornell RTH Chatters Group and the World Bird Sanctuary.
Before we get on with the news…I really want to put a smile on everyone’s face this morning. Ervie. Dear Ervie. A female was hanging out in Ervie’s territory. Now Ervie is visiting hers. Jumping up and down for joy and little tears…Can we even begin to imagine? Just remembering that tenacious little third hatch taking on big Bazza continues to bring joy…and of course, all the scraps with Falky. The puffers. The worry and now this!
Gosh, I thought I would not be adding to the Memorial Page at this time of year, but here we are at # 127. Three new additions in the last 24 hours. One of them is the second hatch of Big Red and Arthur on the Cornell Campus, who was discovered in bushes under a roof, indicating a building or window collision. M1 and M3 had been spotted on Campus. Condolences…everything was just going so well, and it would not be long until they would be leaving the territory and finding their way.
The other two deaths were the Black Stork fledglings, Jola and Derek.
Just breathe. That seems to be the mantra this season. Just breathe because balancing out all the deaths are some very good things that are happening.
You might recall that the Friends of Big Bear Valley were petitioning to have Labour Day fireworks cancelled in the Valley because of the stress put on Jackie and Shadow. This year it was several days before they returned to their nest. FOBBV asked for and received many articles on the damage fireworks cause to wildlife and domestic pets. ‘B’ wrote me this afternoon to inform me that there will be no more fireworks in the Big Bear Valley. Isn’t this wonderful? It should give us the understanding that what we do can matter – that our actions can drive meaningful change. We cannot give up in despair.
Sandy wrote in her FB post on 31 July: “Thank you for keeping up with Jackie and Shadow even as they are enjoying their summer break. They would like to announce that all of us can now relax—they heard that the Labor Day fireworks show planned for September in Big Bear Lake has been cancelled. Hooray!! Sandy”
This is the latest news from Loch of the Lowes. Blue NC0 has not been seen since 15 July and PF5 has not been seen since 28 July.
More good people helping an Osprey!
Oh, these Osprey fledglings are getting themselves into some mischief. Another rescue.
Checking in on a few nests:
At Patchogue, Mini continues to fare rather well. On Tuesday a fish arrived at 0826. I believe it was Mini that took the fish and flew off the nest with it. If it wasn’t she was definitely on the nest at 1028 and received a smaller fish. At 12:53 she was on the nest watching for Dad to fly through with a fish.
At 1700, Mini was ready and waiting when Dad delivered a magnificent fish! Look at the size of that fish. Mini will not need a late night top up. Way to go Dad!
Mini flies off with that big fish!
It is difficult to measure just how well each of the three osplets is being fed at Steelscape in comparison one to the other but the third hatch is still with us.
Pont Cresor: Home to Aeron Z2 and Blue 014. Three chicks fledged – 11, 16, and 19 July. Congratulations!
Collins Marsh: This nest continues to do amazingly well. Nice fish and the two chicks growing – one already fledged.
Pitkin County Open Space and Trails: It is good to remind ourselves that the battles for fish on the nest are helping our fledglings learn how to survive in the wild when there are many more vying for that fish they have in their talons. We have to breathe. In order to live, the ospreys must eat and that often means being ruthless.
Imperial Eagles, Tatarstan RU:
Port Lincoln Osprey: Dad brings Mum a fish on the nest!
Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, Orange: Loving Xavier and Diamond. Wishing for a good season.
Sydney Sea Eagles: So delicate how Lady gives the tiniest of fish flakes to SE31 and SE32. Dad is keeping the pantry nice and full. He even fed Lady while she was brooding.
“Dad brought in the customary fresh fish at 06:52:25 this morning. It was intact and relatively large for this area. A lovely breakfast for the family. Mum had already fed them a first breakfast about an hour earlier, but SE32 was not really over-interested in eating at that time of day (exactly as it did yesterday morning). By the end of the morning, both had eaten plenty of lovely fresh fish. Always a happy sight.” – ‘A’ reports.
‘PB’ has been keeping an eye with ‘H’ on Fortis Exshaw. In fact, I am pretty certain that many of you are checking in and sending your wishes to this nest that is struggling with intruders. ‘PB’ writes: “Small fish 18:16 that #1 gets (from Mr O?), then Louise with bigger fish 18:26 and she feeds 2 and herself, mom is on extreme alert.”
Fortunately that chick 1 was busy with the earlier fish so Louise and 2 could eat.
I noted another fish that came in at 19:55. Chick 1 got that one and is getting really good at self-feeding! It is a good thing that Louise and chick 2 had the fish that Louise brought in – they must have been very hungry! In fact, we often forget that the parents have to eat as well…not just the chicks on the nest.
Oh, another fish at 2128! Did 2 get this one? It was mantling the delivery.
And ‘PB’ writes that Louise brought another fish in right after this one. Well, that is one way to make sure the very hungry second chick gets fed – one fish right after another and then another and another til the big one is so full it doesn’t care.
Louise flew off the nest. Has she engaged with an intruder? Two cannot self-feed and is picking at the fish – chick on the left.
One eventually goes into a food coma, while Two really tries to figure out what to do with his fish. And bravo…self-feeding for the very first time. This is a good thing.
‘H’ was keeping track and she put it very well…I love how she says Louse went into high gear! “It was touch-and-go for a while at the Exshaw nest. On 7/31, Chick #2 only had one meal, around noon. Chick #1 has begun to rush Mom or Mr.O to grab the fish upon delivery. #1 is quite capable of self-feeding an entire fish. Chick #2 is not at that level as yet, in fact #2 is downright polite about it, and won’t even try to steal a piece from #1. By 1800, there had only been two fish delivered, and #1 had claimed and eaten both of them. We were very worried about #2. Well, then Louise kicked it into high gear and delivered five fish between 1813 and 2137. Oh, bless her! Chick #1 grabbed the fish at 1813. And for the first time, #2 grabbed the fish at 1825, and tried to self feed. After a few minutes, Louise took the fish and fed #2. Yeah! Chick #1 claimed the fish delivered at 1955. Then at the 2128 delivery, chick #2 grabbed the fish from Louise and mantled it! Yeah! Chick #1 had designs on that fish too, and she seemed quite taken aback at #2’s new confident behavior, lol. There was one more fish brought by Louise at 2137, which was claimed by #1. Chick #2 did a nice job self-feeding from his fish, and was still eating it well after dark. I believe that Louise delivered all of the fish to the nest on 8/1. There was a delivery at 1103 where we had a very limited view of the adult, but there was a brief view of Louise’s distinctive back-of-head markings (quite different from Mr.O). Another questionable identification of the adult was at 2128, however both top and back head markings proved it to be Louise. In my opinion, Mr.O did not make an appearance on camera on 8/1. But, don’t worry, Mr.O was probably guarding the area so that Louise was free to do her thing.”
367 Collins Street: Not live yet. They were just testing the system! That said, it could be up and running right now.
Boulder County: ‘PB’ notes that the storm that swept through the area has taken out the camera on the Osprey nest. At the time all three osplets were on the nest. Let us hope that everyone is fine.
Cowlitz PUD: Everything appears to be just fine and the metal guards have protected the nest and not impeded any movement of the adults or the fledgling.
Hellgate Canyon, Montana: Everyone has a picture of Iris with her huge fish today on the Owl Pole. It is always good to see her here or on the nest! Looking’ good, Iris.
Osoyoos: There has been a question about removing the Middle chick’s body from the body. All of you have watched Osprey nests and chicks dying at various ages. Sometimes the adults remove the body of their dead chick while, at other times, it is left on the nest and becomes part of that historical object.
‘H’ reports: “Olsen brought 9 fish to the nest on 8/1, and a few of them were large. Soo, and her remaining chick were well fed. I have seen a few nests where a chick died from siblicide from aggression that was fueled by a lack of fish on the nest, and then the next day there were lots of fish. Chatters would ask, “where were all those fish when they needed them?” The weather conditions have not improved at Osoyoos . . it is still quite hot, and the air is smokey from the nearby wildfire. One difference seems to be that Soo was missing the last 52 hours of chick #2’s life. The Osoyoos osprey family of three carries on . . and we support them. The youngster is 37 days old.”
‘H’s other reports:
Kent Island – The livestream returned after having been down for nearly four days. It seems that Audrey and Tom’s 51-day-old chick may have grown a bit in those four days.
Severna Park – It was so nice to find both juvies on the nest in the afternoon. Earlier, one of the fledglings landed on the nest carrying a partial fish.
Barnegat Light – News Flash: Dorsett went diving and swimming! Dorsett spent a fair amount of time on a piling at the Bay beach, when at 1002 she decided to take the plunge into the Bay. Later in the afternoon she waded in the water and took a bath at the shoreline of Barnegat Bay.
Dahlgren – Members of this lovely osprey family are often seen at the nest. It is always good to see them.
Forsythe – In a flurry of fishing, Oscar delivered six fish to the nest for his two fledglings between 0724 and 0920. Owen and Ollie each received three fish. There were no fish delivered to the nest later in the day. The older sibling, Owen, seems to be spending the most time away from the nest.
Thank you so very much for being with me today. Please take care. L ooking forward to seeing you again soon.
Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘A, B. H, PB’, Fran Solly and Friends of Sth Australia, Cornell Bird Lab, Maria Marika, FOBBV, Loch of the Lowes Visitor’s Centre and Wildlife Reserve, Laura Asbell Stansfield, Barbara Walker and Osprey Friends, PSEG, Steelscape, Inc., Nyth Pont Cresor, Collins Marsh, Pitkin County Open Trails and Spaces, Imperial Eagles RU, PLO, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, Sydney Sea Eagles, Fortis Exshaw, Boulder County Fair Grounds, Cowlitz PUD, Montana Osprey Project, Osoyoos, Kent Island, Forsythe Ospreys, Wildlife Conserve of NJ, and Dahlgren Ospreys.
It is the first day of August and I am reminded that we have about 7 more weeks of summer. It cooled down in the garden today and the birds were noticeably happier. The lilacs have given them respite when it was really hot and the bird bath – remember to keep putting out water. Dehydration is a terrible problem. Many wildlife rehabbers say it is worse than not having regular meals. Clearly, the Blue Jays, now totalling more than 14, find the bird bath a source of pleasure!
Today it will go up to 31 degrees. It has been like a yo-yo – temperatures going up to the 30s and then dropping to the low teens.
Missey and Lewis continue to enjoy watching the birds and ‘talking to them’ – and as always, staying rather close to one another.
Once in a while, a bird will land on the glass ceiling, which fascinates the kittens.
On days when we lose an Osprey, it is always comforting to have the garden birds and the kittens.
I want to start with some amazing news coming out of Loch of the Lowes. The female fledgling, PF4, – a strong and determined and hungry fledgling – caught her first fish today. Why is this such a big deal? It is rare for a fledgling osprey to catch a fish before it has left for migration. This is still July! It was small but that does not matter. The skill and coordination required – well, it looks like this one is well equipped to face the world. Fantastic.
I am really hoping that LOTL will post a video of this special moment in PF4’s life.
Others have been wondering if anyone could remember another UK fledgling successfully catching a fish before migrating. The only one that has come to mind so far is Oswald who hatched in Naimshire in 2011. He did not migrate until October!
At Llyn Brenig, Mari tried over and over again to catch a fish. Maybe she will be successful like PF4 tomorrow. That would be fantastic.
We always need a feel good moment and here is the one to begin our day. Couple saves Osprey! Salmon Arm, BC.
And because we can all use good news about more generous and compassionate people, another osprey save.
Staying in British Columbia, the second hatch at Osoyoos died Monday 31 July.
The little one, the second hatch, is alive at 0531 when fish comes in before the attack by One. (I do not like the images of the chicks being brutalised or dead…one of the last looks when this one could hold its head up). It has been an incredibly difficult year for the Ospreys around the world this year.
Soo, the female has not been seen since Saturday. Olsen has been bringing in nice fish but this little one was too weak to eat Monday morning. Problems with starvation/siblicide were mitigated by the growing heat domes in the area and the wildfires and then the disappearance of Mum. Olsen has been doing splendidly under the circumstances. This evening, good news has come from ‘H’ who says that Soo is back on the nest at 1633. She adds, “After Soo returned to the nest at 1633, she fed #1 from a large fish that had been left on the nest. Soo was on the nest with #1 when Olsen delivered a fish at 2008.” Thank you, ‘H’. With two parents and a single osplet, let us hope that all goes well for this little one to fledge.
In order to highlight the threats to our feathered friends, NZ is adding some very interesting birds to its ‘Bird of the Century’ contest.
“This year five extinct species will be included among the 75 contenders, to bring attention to the pressures facing the natural world. In New Zealand, 82% of birds are threatened with extinction.”
Bruce Yolton continues to follow the Eurasian Owl that escaped from the Central Park Zoo as the owl continues to live and hunt in the wild.
At Steelscape, things continue to look good.
Patchogue: Mini enjoying a fish while another sibling is envious.
Mini enjoying another fish! Our girl is doing well.
Bridge Golf: Cam went down late on the 27th of July. Both osplets were fully feathered, healthy, and eating well. No reason to believe that they will not fledge.
MN Landscape: Even with lots of intruders around and Dad on the nest, this 21 year old father has made sure there is fish on the nest. The only surviving osplet is doing well – and there are many, many nests in this area that have suffered this season. A number of reports indicate that a number of males are missing and the females are having to provide protection and hunt. Lots of nests have lost osplets in the area because of this.
Collins Marsh: The first hatch has flown. I am not certain that 31 July was the first time because this bird flew like a pro! Congratulations.
Sydney Sea Eagles: SE31 and 32 are off to a very good start. They are about the same size and Lady is a pro at feeding them the tiniest bites of fish. Both are doing so well.
SK Hideaways gets us up close and personal with these little fluff balls:
The three little Osplets at Osprey House in Australia will melt your heart.
Dorsett Hobby Falcons: Cuteness overload. Gosh, it is easy to forget that the little hawks and falcons grow so much faster and fledge sooner than the ospreys and big eagles. I just love their little beaky kisses!
Finnish Osprey Nest 1: Roihu, the little male on the nest with two sisters, fledged today! Congratulations.
Finnish Nest at Muonio in Lapland: All three are doing super.
Alyth: The trio have all fledged. They did not spend the night on the nest but nearby and were there at dawn waiting for fish deliveries.
Poole Harbour: Lots of fish coming to the nest and every once in awhile you just wonder if CJ7 might like to have a long fish lunch. There has been at least one intruder in the area but so far everything is going smoothly at the nest.
RSPB Loch Garten: Five fish were delivered before the camera went down. It was a really good day at the nest.
Fish scuffle at Manton Bay: Blue 33 flies in with a fish with two of the fledglings on the nest. Another flies over after the delivery. There was a bit of a fight for the fish but nothing like we have seen on other nests. They all know there will be more fish — and look at the size of it. Can you imagine if a fish this size fell on the Osoyoos or Forsythe nest?
At Loch Arkaig, a Sparrowhawk visits the nest of Louis, Dorcha, and Ludo…it is no threat to them but what a lovely chance encounter.
Boulder County: All three safely flying and on the nest. Life continues to be good at Boulder.
Time for ‘H’s reports: Fortis Exshaw: Mr. O made a quick stop at the nest at 0612. Louise had not yet arrived at the nest in the morning, so only the kids were there. Mr.O stood there for ten seconds, looked around, checked the skies, then he left. Mr.O was just checking up on things for the family. Smile. There were three fish delivered to the nest, including one by Mr.O. Chick #1 is undergoing a bit of a personality change. S/he is slightly aggressive toward #2 when a fish is delivered, and often grabs the fish, and self-feeds. All perfectly normal at this stage in its development. Chick #1 ate the first two fish that were brought to the nest. When the third fish was delivered by Louise at 1221, #1 sent #2 to the sidelines, and then was fed by Louise. After several minutes, #2 managed to get to the other side of Louise to be fed as well, but it was the only meal of the day for chick #2. Chick #2 will learn to try to acquire fish as well, and s/he needs to improve its self-feeding skills. But, a few more fish would help in this situation, I think.
Forsythe: “After two days of much cooler temperatures, it seemed that fish were easier for Oscar to catch. Oscar started the day off like gangbusters, delivering fish at 0839, 0852, 0949, 1024, and 1052. There were three fish for Owen, and two for Ollie. But, then there were no more fish for the rest of the day. Go figure. So, as the fledglings became hungry later in the day, there were a couple of kerfuffles between them. Five fish is not bad, though. With easier fishing, perhaps it’s a good time for the juvies to try to catch their own fish. They are 70 and 71 days old and fledged two weeks ago.”
Thank you, ‘H’!
I have often mentioned Urmas and his fish baskets. These baskets have saved the life of Karl II and his family. It is a beautiful intervention intent on saving these rare birds. Kindness. Compassion.
Emyr Evans (Dyfi Osprey Project) has posted a short article discussing inbreeding in Ospreys. you might find this interesting.
On the Cornell Campus in Ithaca, New York, Suzanne Arnold Horning was able to catch sight of some of the Ms. The three fledglings have done well…super well in fact. I won’t say another word because I do not want to jink this year.
Thank you so much for being with me today. Please take care of yourself. Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Thank you so very much for being with me today. Thank you to the following for their notes, videos, posts, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘AMW, Geemeff, H, MP’, LOTL, Carol White and Friends of Llyn Brenig Osprey Project, Sunnie Day, Linda McIlroy and Raptors of the World, APCH, Osoyoos, The Guardian, Bruce Yolton, Steelscape, Patchogue, Bridge Golf, MN Landscape Arboretum, Collins Marsh, Sydney Sea Eagles, Osprey House, SK Hideaways and Dorsett Hobby Falcons, Finnish Osprey Foundation, Alyth, Poole Harbour, RSPB Loch Garten, LRWT, Boulder County, Fortis Exshaw, Maria Marika, Emry Evans and Dyfi Ospreys, and Suzanne Arnold Horning.
It is the end of the week. It is almost the end of July. We are less than a month away from some of the females in Europe and the UK preparing for and possibly leaving for their migration. Indeed, migration is on my mind and I have a book recommendation (below) for those that want to learn more of the history of how scientists discovered where our feathered friends go in the winter or spring/summer for breeding. I am also including a study on the impact of Avian Flu and some suggestions on what must be done to curtail it before populations are decimated. There will be continuing news about fledges and, of course, our Little Mini – not so little anymore – who is hoping to take those beautiful wings of hers and hit the skies.
In the meantime, there was a Crow funeral this morning. At first, I did not know what was happening as a dozen or more Crows gathered and flew in circles over the back lane and in front of the house behind me. I thought the GHO had come into the neighbourhood, and I knew the adults would not have that with their fledglings being out of the nest for less than a fortnight. So I investigated, and sadly, one of the fledglings was dead on the side of the street. They had all come to mourn and say goodbye. Usually, I would pick up the carcass and place it on the boulevard, but a wise and knowledgeable Corvid person once told me that the Crows do not like humans to touch their dead. So, I left the lovely one there. How sad.
One of the fledglings on my fence – along with four of its siblings – waiting for its scrambled eggs and cheesy dogs. Sadly taken through a screen of the conservatory so the image is soft and this is as light as I could push it. They are so beautiful. Their beaks are like highly polished ebony and those dark piercing eyes. They know precisely when I am cooking those eggs and arrive and wait so they can get to them before the Blue Jays. I adore them.
That one little Blue Jay is so funny. He likes to take his naps here and he loves to be in the bird bath. He went to sleep eating and kept his lids closed for over fifteen minutes. He was only woken when another sibling flew in to gnab a peanut. Looking over my photographs, there are more than 600 digital images of this one fledgling. Don’t tell my children!
Did you know it is impossible to tell a male blue Jay from a female one unless you see them during courtship or laying eggs? Blue Jays bond for life just like our raptors.
This little one does not mind sharing the table feeder with the Sparrows.
Take the time to observe the birds around you. They are precious. Listen to their songs. Focus on their behaviour and their markings. Soon you will get to know them and they will become ‘family’.
Speaking of family. Mini will never know all the people who have sent positive energy to the nest so that it might survive but, today, this wee fourth hatch has survived and is ready to leave the nest and become a bird.
Three is on the Patchogue fish calling, and Mini just dreams of flying. She has had two good fish from Dad today – perhaps even more I missed. One was at 0920 and the other at 1523. Nice fish, so Mini is not hungry. Gosh, I am going to miss her when she fledges. What a survivor…I hope all she learned on the nest and her fortitude carry her well through life.
Oh, Mini wants to fly. She is getting some height. 1918 Thursday night. Stay home Mini until Friday.
Good night, Mini.
‘L writes that Mini got a fish at 0740 on Friday and that Three had a fish shortly after, too. That is fantastic news!
Mini got the fish and that darn black bin liner. It continues to stick to Mini’s talons. I hope when she fledges she does not take it with her!
There are lots of fledges and some hard to keep up with. All of the three osplets at Alyth have fledged with the last one flying on the 18th of July, 9 days after the first. They are being fed on the nest by the parents although, like all nests, there is a bit of a scramble.
At the Loch of the Lowes, the scramble between the two siblings for fish is intense. It reminds me of Achieva when Big knocked Middle off – these chicks are hungry! Here is the latest posting about conditions on the nest and why they are what they are from The Loch of the Lowes:
What we want to see is all the fledglings return to the nest for a good month to get fed well, fattened up for migration, and get their flying skills in order and those wings strong for that 5000 km journey most will make starting in August – in a month.
Everyone is home at Rutland! These three are keeping the adults busy catching fish…soon Blue 33 will be the sole provider of fish and I can’t think of a better Dad to fatten up these three for their migration.
Another of the Kielder nest 7 chicks has fledged. This time Blue 2B0 Gilsland.
At the Borders nest, Blue 733 Jed flew on the 20th, Thursday. Time 1600. He was airborne for 3 minutes! Well done. Thanks Rosie Shields for that great blog…congratulations, Jed!
Landing back at the nest.
There are still three chicks on the Boulder County nest but not for long.
Pitkin Open Spaces and Trails: One of the osplets is getting a lot of height and is really working its wings today. Fledge is going to be soon – just like Mini, this one wants to go!
Three beauties at Poole Harbour. I want everyone to send positive energy to the nest of CJ7 and Blue 22 that the goshawk does not return to the nest this year and snatch one or more of these beautiful babies.
At Loch Arkaig, there was a bit of an issue with one of Ludo’s flights. Geemeff says, “Ludo LY7 had a bit of a day today – made his second flight with no problems, but got divebombed by his mum Dorcha on his third flight, and missed his landing, tumbling over the edge of the nest and landing in the branches. Fortunately not hurt, took a few minutes in the tree with a few squeaks, then flew off, did a circuit, and landed properly. Relief!” Here it is on video – thanks, Geemeff.
The chick at Cowlitz has really grown and is hopping and flapping. The metal protective grids are not a bother.
Some information on the translocation project for Ireland that involves removing osplets from Norway and transporting them to their new home. Ireland has no breeding pairs of ospreys at this time.
Time for the reports form ‘H’:
Fortis Exshaw: “It was a peaceful day for this osprey family. There were four fish brought to the nest, including one by stepdad, Mr. O. A couple of the fish were very large, including a monster fish delivered by Louise at 0604, and there were at least 6 feedings. No one went hungry.”
Patuxent Nest 1 – The fledglings were both seen partaking of fish at the nest.
Osoyoos – Dad delivered at least 7 fish on 7/20. The kiddos are 24 and 25 days old, and are doing very well.
Barnegat Light – Thanks to the efforts of Duke and Daisy, there is no shortage of fish at this nest. Little Dorsett is 51 days old, and is not so little any more.
Patuxent Nest 2 – One of the fledglings was seen on the nest enjoying a meal.
Suzanne Arnold Horning is diligent in finding the Ms after they have fledged their nest on the Cornell Campus – she spots Big Red and Arthur too. SAH has ‘hawk eyes’ – for sure! All of the family are safe and sound today.
I wanted to check in on the nest of Bald Eagles in Juneau. Look at beautiful Hope who is now self-feeding rather well.
‘A’ gives us a report on the Royal Cam Albatross: “
Later on 19 July, after GLY came in for that short breakfast feed, have a look at the late afternoon feeding on the same day. Those chunks of octopus or squid of some variety are MASSIVE. Well done dad! And then we had a feeding from mum L around 08.23 yesterday morning (20 July): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXxHaJngJXs (Notice L’s standing feeding position, different from GLY, who tends to get down really low, as he did when Manaaki was still a tiny chick. These little differences are what we rely on when it is impossible to discern leg bands, which is often the case in the half light or the long grass.) It’s a short feed and Manaaki continues to whee away as she leaves (‘Don’t go, mum!’), but then he did have two meals the previous day, including the giant chunks of squid the evening before this feed. He’s certainly not starving, our giant fluff ball. Manaaki was not weighed on Tuesday but we will see how his weight is going next Tuesday. With half the local cephalopod population being swallowed by Manaaki this week, there should be no problems in that department! What a gorgeous albie he really is. No wonder we all call him Prince Manaaki. He is just the most beautiful bird. So healthy and active and with such a curious personality. He loves to explore. We will all miss him a great deal when he does finally fledge. Day 240. It suddenly seems all too close – day 200 is looming.”
Worried about an animal in need that is not in a nest – phone the fire department! A feel-good moment.
Do you know about migration? There are several books on the subject, but Rebecca Heisman’s Flight Paths has been on my reading list. Migration is a topic that is coming up for almost all of our feathered friends. What I liked about the book is that it is full of science and what we have learned about migration through new methods using satellites, satellite tracking as well as boots on the ground, It is a page-turner—primarily black and white text with images in the middle. I didn’t miss seeing the images of birds. The writing is so good it draws you in. I was fascinated with the study of where birds go —so where precisely will the baby Blue Jays in my garden travel for winter? or the Rose-breasted Grosbeaks? What about the birds in the Himalayas that fly through really thin air to those tiny warblers that weigh no more than a ballpoint pin and travel three days over the ocean to get to their winter homes? This is exciting reading – well, to me it is – the history of migration, how humans discovered the amazing journeys our feathered friends take. This book will add much to your knowledge, deep appreciation, and respect for our feathered friends. It was $37 CDN for a hardback copy. Why not ask your local library to order a copy? Surely this is a subject that will interest many!
It isn’t about raptors but, it is about a natural solution to a problem – instead of using herbicides and pesticides. Just like raptors are the solution for rodents!
Canada is working to save the endangered Piping Plover- it is a good news story in amongst the bad – the BC Government allowed shooting and logging in the area of the endangered Spotted Owl – in fact, there is only one of them and there is shooting. Am I angry? You bet’cha. When will nature be a priority and not the economy? Without nature, there is no economy.
Lots to read today but Birdlife International has published a report on Avian Flu and some possible solutions that must be taken if our feathered friends are to survive this global catastrophe. The report states, “Bird Flu has evolved to spread more rapidly and easily in wild bird populations. Previously, this disease spread significantly in farmed bird populations and it was quite rare for wild birds to catch it – when outbreaks did occur, they usually impacted a limited number of species and only lasted a few months. This is no longer the case. With birds under greater threat than ever before, this virulent strain of Bird Flu cannot be categorised as a natural process and left to wreak havoc.”
Lots more nests with fledges to come today. Little Mini is just itching to fly – so keep an eye! But if you feel low, think of Fortis Exshaw and how wonderful this season has been with Mr O. He is our Osprey Super Hero! Thank you for being with me. Take care all.
Thank you to the following for their notes, photographs, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog this morning: ‘A, Geemeff, H, L’, PSEG, Alyth, LOTL, LRWT, Rosie Shields, Boulder County FG, Pitkin County Open Trails and Spaces, Anne Ryc and Poole Harbour, Geemeff and the Woodland Trust, Cowlitz Pud, Gregarious Joris Toonen and Ospreys, Fortis Exshaw, Patient River Park, Osoyoos, Wildlife Conserve F of NJ, Suzanne Arnold Horning, Glacier Gardens, NZ DOC, KRCR News 7, Amazon, 27east, The Narwhal, and Birdlife International.
